Even if Big 12 were to expand to 14 teams, BYU's LGBT views could keep them out; Source: 'It is a serious issue'

This Story is About...

Share This Story On...

FORT COLLINS, CO - NOVEMBER 01: A detail photograph of the helmet belonging to quaterback Brenden Gaskins #6 of the Brigham Young Cougars as he warms up prior to facing the Colorado State Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium on November 1, 2008 in Fort Collins, Colorado. BYU defeated CSU 45-42. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

In the past 36 hours or so, Big 12 expansion has turned into a public debate on social issues.

Forget TV network preferences, or markets or academics or alumni bases or athletic programs or anything else that might be on the table when Big 12 presidents finally get around to a decision. The current front-burner issue involves BYU's honor code and the LGBT community.

As it applies to BYU's hopes of joining the Big 12, it's now a significant factor, multiple industry and Big 12 school sources confirmed Tuesday. Suddenly, BYU's strong football tradition, national following and 63,000-capacity stadium may not be enough to secure Big 12 membership.

"It is a serious issue," said an industry source familiar with the Big 12 discussions. "Whether it keeps them out or not, it is a serious issue."

The top three Big 12 expansion candidates have been viewed as Cincinnati, Houston and BYU, sources said. If the Big 12 only expands by two to 12, BYU could be out.

"Three schools for two possible spots," said the source. "This doesn't help."

If the league goes to 14 -- right now about a 51-49 proposition according to one source -- BYU still might not be guaranteed a spot with schools like Memphis, Central Florida, UConn and Colorado State among those in contention.

Beyond the thorny debate about personal freedom vs. religious liberty, the political implications are impossible ignore. As a recent reminder, there's the NBA's decision to move the NBA All-Star game from Charlotte because of anti-discrimination concerns involving a state bill on bathroom access. And the NCAA announced it is surveying potential future site hosts on discrimination issues.

The issue has been simmering in the background pretty much since the Big 12 began serious expansion exploration July 19. It came to the forefront with a letter by Athlete Ally, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and more than 20 LGBT rights organizations sent a letter to Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby opposing BYU's addition.

"Given BYU's homophobic, biphobic and transphobic policies and practices, BYU should not be rewarded with Big 12 membership," the letter read in part.

Bowlsby responded Tuesday, a conference spokesman confirmed.

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe tweeted Tuesday:

LGBT players, coaches and fans are always welcome to the BYU campus. Everyone should be treated with respect, dignity and love. Tom

While same-sex attraction is not a violation of BYU's Honor Code, but any physical contact is -- a difference from the code regarding heterosexual contact.

News accounts have put faces with the concern. Fox Sports, which broke the story Monday evening, quoted openly gay former Oklahoma pole vaulter Tanner Williams as saying he wouldn't travel to compete at BYU. USA Today cited former another gay athletic, former TCU football player Vince Pryor, expressing the same sentiment.

Any decision on expansion will have to be made by the 10 Big 12 presidents and -- as several sources noted -- LGBT concerns are among hot-button campus issues.

BYU has other issues that might give the Big 12 pause. The school announced this week it is being investigated by the Department of Education for its handling of sexual assault reports.

After the very public issues at Baylor, Big 12 presidents may be unlikely to embrace another private school with strong church ties and potential Title IX issues.

BYU has also drawn scrutiny with allegations its Honor Code discourages students from reporting sexual assaults. Similar suggestions have been made about the situation at Baylor, according to an Associated Press report.

Any Big 12 expansion candidate needs eight votes to be added. Sources indicated that the Big 12 will probably seriously talk with six to eight candidates before decision on whether to add two or four members. Discussions with TV partners ESPN and Fox -- which are believed to have favored the addition of BYU -- are part of the equation, as well.

Several sources indicated strong skepticism about any announcement before the start of the season in September. The Big 12 has a regularly scheduled meeting of its board of directors in late October.

BYU addresses "homosexual behavior" as part of its Honor Code. Here is how it reads:

"Brigham Young University will respond to homosexual behavior rather than to feelings or attraction and welcomes as full members of the university community all whose behavior meets university standards. Members of the university community can remain in good Honor Code standing if they conduct their lives in a manner consistent with gospel principles and the Honor Code.

"One's stated same-gender attraction is not an Honor Code issue. However, the Honor Code requires all members of the university community to manifest a strict commitment to the law of chastity. Homosexual behavior is inappropriate and violates the Honor Code. Homosexual behavior includes not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings."